leucism

noun

leu·​cism ˈlü-ˌsi-zəm 

: an abnormal condition of reduced pigmentation affecting various animals (such as birds, mammals, and reptiles) that is marked by overall pale color or patches of reduced coloring and is caused by a genetic mutation which inhibits melanin and other pigments from being deposited in feathers, hair, or skin

leucistic

lü-ˈsi-stik 

adjective

Examples of leucism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The orca's pale complexion may be due to leucism or Chediak-Higashi Syndrome. —Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2024

This discrepancy surprised us because the genetic mutation that causes melanism occurs less frequently than the one that causes albinism/leucism. —Elizabeth Carlen, Discover Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024

On social media, some commenters speculated the creature might be a young red or gray fox with leucism, a condition that causes a loss of pigmentation, resulting in white fur. —Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Oct. 2024

An animal with leucism experiences a partial loss of pigmentation. —Samuel Sanders, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Leucismus, from Greek leukós "clear, white" + German -ismus -ism — more at light entry 1

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for leucism

• ism
• pisum
• prism
• schism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism
• anticommunism
• antisemitism
• antiterrorism
• bioterrorism
• colloquialism